The Acoustics of Belt Singing
Thursday 3rd October 2024, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM (London Time)
Contemporary Commercial Music (CCM) covers a multitude of singing styles that have received less scientific attention than other types of singing. This is despite the fact that the vast majority of those who earn money singing (or teaching singing) do so in CCM styles. Belting − also referred to as the “musical theater” style or “broadway singing” − is a primary vocal quality in many styles of CCM.
Voice acoustics is an active area of research in many labs, including Dr. Meyer’s, where the science of singing is explored to inform (and improve) our pedagogical practice. However, voice acoustics is often a source of confusion for students and teachers alike.
In this workshop Dr. Meyer will present an overview of the acoustics of “belting” using layman’s terms appropriate for the beginning voice scientist and singing teacher alike. Particular emphasis will be given to instances where the first vocal tract resonance (which in the radiated sound is a “formant”) boosts the second harmonic of the sung tone (fR1 = 2fo). Though many sub-categories of “belt” may exist, a dominant 2fo (second harmonic) seems to be the common distinguishing spectral feature and an acoustic hallmark of belting.
Participants in this course will increase their knowledge of belt acoustics, and explore strategies for applying this knowledge in singing instruction.
🏷️ Price £30 (UK VAT inclusive)
🎥 Recording automatically sent to all who book (even if you cannot attend live)
▶️ Rewatch as many times as you like
📜 Certificate of attendance available
David Meyer
A leading scholar and researcher of the singing voice, David Meyer is an active performer, teacher, clinician, and voice scientist.

Attend this course for as little as £22 as part of the Voice Professional Training CPD Award Scheme.
Learn MoreSorry, this is an archived short course...
We have plenty of upcoming short courses coming soon. See details of some of them below or look at the full list of short courses.

Tuesday 5th August 2025
1:00 PM - 12:00 PM
Tuesday 12th August 2025
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Tuesday 19th August 2025
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Tuesday 26th August 2025
1:00 PM - 12:00 PM
Tuesday 2nd September 2025
1:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Tuesday 9th September 2025
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Tuesday 16th September 2025
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Tuesday 23rd September 2025
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
(London Time)
Certificate in Acting Approaches for Singing Teachers

Louisa Morgan
Are you a singing teacher looking to elevate your students’ performances? Join our very own Louisa Morgan, as she takes a deeper dive into acting approaches that singing teachers can use to integrate powerful acting techniques into singing lessons. This 8 session course is perfect for those who want to help their singers connect deeply with the story behind the song. Gain practical tools and techniques that you can immediately apply in your teaching! Come along live for an interactive experience, or watch on playback at your leisure.


Tuesday 16th September 2025
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
(London Time)
The Science Underlying Semi-Occluded Vocal Tract Exercises (SOVT)

Dr Ingo Titze

Karin Titze Cox
Semi-occluded vocal tract exercises have a long history. Humans and animals have discovered that aerodynamic and acoustic pressures above the larynx can position the vocal folds for better self-sustained oscillation. Join Dr Ingo Titze and Karin Titze Cox as they unpick this fascinating topic!


Thursday 18th September 2025
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
(London Time)
The Cannabis Question: What Voice Practitioners Need to Know!

Dr Dann Mitton
As cannabis use has become more common, socially accepted, and legalized, voice professionals are increasingly fielding questions about its effects. This two-hour session with Dr Dann Mitton offers a clear, research-informed overview of what we currently know about cannabis and the singing voice. The session is built around real-world questions voice teachers and singers are asking: Does smoking cannabis dry out the vocal folds? Is vaping safer than smoking? What should I know if my student uses cannabis for anxiety or pain? Could some voice types be more at risk than others?